30 December 2011

PASIG, Philippines – A charity football match featuring a team whose core will be composed of members of the Philippine Men’s National Team (“the Azkals”) playing against Internacional de Madrid will be held on Saturday, January 7th at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. Gate receipts and other proceeds from the match will be donated to the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) to benefit the victims of Typhoon Sendong.
Internacional de Madrid plays in the Tercera Division Grupo 7 (Third Division Group 7) of the Spanish League System. It currently lies in 12th place in its group close to the midway point of the season. On its website the team said “El Internacional de Madrid…es especialmente sensible a este tipo de tragedias, máxime en este caso por la cercanía que nos une al pueblo Filipino (Internacional de Madrid is particularly sympathetic to this type of tragedies, moreso because of the historical and cultural ties between Spain and the Philippines).”
The Philippine Team will be called the Azkals Alyansa. The team is expected to be lead by Azkals co-captain Chieffy Caligdong who will skipper the team in the absence of injured national team captain, Aly Borromeo. Also slated to play are James and Phil Younghusband, Ian Araneta, Anton del Rosario, Nate Burkey and Jason Sabio. The team will also include members of the developmental squad including OJ Clarino, Jinggoy Valmayor, Paolo Pascual and Raymark Fernandez. Rounding out the initial list of players are Eduard Sacapano, Roel Gener, Nestor Margarse, Misagh Bahadoran and Lexton Moy.
The match will be televised by ABS CBN as well as shown live (or on a slightly delayed basis) by Telemadrid for the Spanish TV audience.

ISCOF 2-1 Tabuc Suba, Ilaya 7-3 Ilaud

Day 3 :

Ilaud 7-2 Tabuc Suba, Ilaya 1-1 ISCOF

Source : Stallion FC Facebook

29 December 2011

More teams are expected to join the 2012 Yanson Group of Bus Companies,
starting with the 1st Conference of North Football League set to open on January
15 at Ayala North Point pitch in Talisay City.
Tournament director Ramon Janeo said football clubs from San Carlos and
Kabankalan cities expressed their interest in joining the 2012 season.
With the participation of the two teams, Janeo said matches will be more
competitive and more talents will emerged from the tournament.
Based on their 2012 tournament calendar, the first conference will end in
April and the second conference will immediately start in May up to August. The
third conference is scheduled to open in September and will end on December,
Janeo said.
“This is our contribution to the development of football in Negros and we are
glad to see that the teams are getting stronger every season,” he added.
In the third conference this year, Ceres Liner beat Dynamic Builder, 2-1, to
foil the latter’s grand slam bid.
Minulu-an Talisay, salvaged third place honors after blanking Trimaxi Agro,
3-0.
Most Valuable Player in the third conference was Jason Panhay with Nyan Brean
Jardio of Minulu-an-Talisay receiving the most improved player award; Michael
Casas of Ceres Liner as best goalkeeper; Jason Cordova of Dynamic Builders, best
defender; Rolando Ian Treyes of Dynamic Builder, best midfielder; Ali Go, also
from Dynamic Builder, best Striker, and the Las Buenas Football Club as
recipient of the Fair Play Award.*NAB

28 December 2011

AT 4 p.m. on Jan. 7 next year, the Philippine Azkals will face Spain’s CF Madrid team in a charity match aimed to raise funds for victims of Tropical Storm Sendong.

The match, dubbed “Dili kamo nag-iisa,” is meant to highlight the country coming together to help our brothers and sisters in Mindanao by raising funds and gathering donations for them.

The move, interestingly enough, started on a tweet, which was soon picked up by the movers of Philippine football and the United Football League who got together to make it a reality.

Let’s do our part and show them that they, indeed, are not alone?

By the way, why the mish-mash of Bisaya and Tagalog in Dili kamo nag-iisa? I think it’s rather obvious, isn’t it? I’m sure, if it was possible, the organizers would have a mish-mash of all Philippine dialects, but that really isn’t possible.

Now back to the friendly, which will have friendly prices.

Tickets are priced between P100 and P500, but organizers are hoping that those who can afford to pay more will.

“That way they are making a real donation for the victims but affordable as well.

However if you can pay more please consider making a donation,” one of the organizers, Craig Burrows, posted in his Facebook account.

In a year that saw the cheapest football tickets go from P200 to P2,000—just a year after when it was considered obscene to pay for a PH football game—I hope fans will come in droves.

I’m sure they will, because we can always rely on the footie fans to support the Azkals but this time, I hope the veteran supporters of the team will bring in the newbies.

Let’s bring a pal, shall we?

Not just for the game at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, but for public viewings for fans outside Manila.

I know Na Ning will be showing the game in Tacloban; so too, would Bacolod’s Dugout.

In Cebu, we have the Azkals Sports Bar and Grill, whose owners—Helga and JM Javier—have promised to give half of their earnings for the night to charity.

Everything is set.

The only thing needed is for fans to fill the stands and the public viewing places.So, let’s show up, shall we?

A good match, a chance to have a great time and you get to help our brothers and sisters, too.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011
BAGUIO Football Club (BFC) remains upbeat of another stint in the 2nd division of the United Football League which opens January 2012.
And with the core still intact, BFC coach Carl Bello said they are hoping to join the country’s largest football league as part of the 12 teams which will make up the division.

“We have yet to receive the confirmation, and in case we will be taken in, will be having the core of our original line up but there will be some changes,” said Bello.
Seven new clubs have been tapped by the United Football League (UFL) to participate in the league after the UFL Executive Committee decided to expand the second division to twelve teams after Nomads FC, Stallions FC and Pasargad FC were promoted to the first division, which saw seven teams last season and was won by the current cup champions, Air Force Phoenix.
The new clubs are not new to the UFL as these clubs already participated in the UFL Cup and have created a buzz amongst fans most notably, Team Socceroo FC, which was demolished by cup runner up Loyola Meralco Sparks FC 1-15 in their first match in the UFL, and Pachanga FC, which topped the infamous “Group of Death” featuring clubs such as Global FC, Stallions FC and fellow new club Cebu Queen United FC.
Baguio finished dead last in group A of the recent UFL Cup with a draw and two losses due to scheduling management by the tournament organizers.
The league opening on January 14 could see a changing of the guard with teams from the Armed Forces-Air Force, Army and Navy - expected to encounter tougher opposition from new UFL powerhouses Kaya-Cignal, Global and Loyola Meralco playing in the first division.
Also seeing action in the first division are Green Archers United and newly promoted sides Nomads, Stallion FC and Pasargad.
In league play, the team with the most points after playing against each squad twice in the division wins the title. A win is worth three points with a draw awarded a point.
The roster of teams in the second division has yet to be finalized with more squads expressing interest to join. The second division champion automatically gets a slot in the first division next season.

27 December 2011

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) will join one more international
tournament next year, adding the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Championship
Under-22 qualifiers to an already packed schedule for 2012.

No venue or
date has been announced yet for the tournament, but PFF president Mariano Nonong
Araneta Monday confirmed that the federation will be sending a team to the
maiden staging of the event.

We want to join as many tournaments as
possible, said Araneta.

The main tournament, which will have 16 teams,
including the host country, is slated in 2013.

Hoping to fill the
competition vacuum after the Under-19 level, the AFC plans to make the Under-22
Championship a biennial event with the 2015 tournament doubling as a qualifying
tournament for the Olympic Games in 2016.

The PFF's busy schedule for
2012 also includes the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy competition in Brunei, where the
country plans to send an Under-21 team in February as well as the AFC Challenge
Cup in Nepal and the Suzuki Cup for the Azkals.

26 December 2011

"PASKO RAYHAK 2011 - A benefit tournament for our brothers in Mindanao" will be held on December 27 and 28, 2011. The Under 10, 13, 17 and Women's Open will be on the 27th, while the Men's Open is on the 28th

ABC-STARS Cup on December 29-30 at the Naga City Sports Complex in Pacol, Naga City, Cam.Sur

Episode II - Smiley Football Championship 2012. Tentative Date: January 28 to 29, 2012 Venue: Bicol University Football Field, Legazpi City, Philippines. Age Category: Under-15 ( Born on or after January 27, 1997) and Under-19 (Born on or After January 27, 1993)

MANILA, Philippines – Looking to put behind the poor showing of the Under-23
team in the Southeast Asian Games, the Philippine Football Federation is sending
a squad to contest the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
starting Feb. 21, 2012.

Azkals manager Dan Palami has been tasked to
assemble the squad for the HBT which is primarily an Under-21 competition with
five over-aged players to reinforce the teams.

Palami has stressed the importance of preparing
early for the 2013 SEA Games in Myanmar and sees the participation in the HBT as
an important component of the buildup.

The move to allow the over-aged players in the
team stemmed from the Brunei’s decision to rely on the team that saw action in
the SEA Games—an Under-23 event—where the Sultanate nipped the Philippines, 2-1,
for its only win.

The Under-23 Azkals wound up with one victory
against four losses in the SEA Games, dooming their chances of making the
semifinals for the first time in 20 years.

PFF general secretary Chito Manuel Sunday said
the PFF has confirmed its participation in the HBT that hopes to lure teams in
Southeast Asia.

Dato Paduka Abdul Rahman, president of the
National Football Association of Brunei, said they are eyeing at least 10 teams
to compete in the tournament.

Manuel said Brunei, which was only reinstated by
International Football Federation in May after a two-year ban because of
government intervention, has agreed to shoulder the airfare and accommodations
of teams competing in the tournament.

Team official Josef Malinay said several members
of the Under-23 side that saw action in the SEA Games are still eligible for the
HBT like goal scorers Joshua Beloya, Manny Ott and OJ Porteria.

Also included in the pool that will start
training on Jan. 4 are Marwin Angeles, Paolo Pascual and Filipino-Belgian winger
Jeffrey Christiaens.

24 December 2011

23 December 2011

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Football Federation is eyeing Bahrain and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates as possible locations for the Philippine Azkals’ training camp in preparation for the AFC Challenge Cup in March.

PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta Friday said that Bahrain has expressed interest to host the national side in its buildup for the eight-nation Challenge Cup in Nepal.

Araneta said that the offer from Bahrain includes free accommodations aside from arranging friendly matches for the Azkals.

The Azkals also held camp in Bahrain last July and gained a huge following in the oil-rich nation as they toughened up for their World Cup Qualifying second round match against Kuwait.

“We could save money if we hold camp in Bahrain,” said Araneta, noting that a camp in Dubai would cost about P2.5 million.

Azkals team manager Dan Palami said the planned 10-day camp is scheduled on the second week of February.

The Azkals will play Malaysia in a friendly on Feb. 29 at Rizal Memorial Stadium, before flying to Kathmandu for the Challenge Cup, where they will face North Korea, Tajikistan and India.

Several members of the national side will be back in action as early as Jan. 7 when the Azkals along with stars of the United Football League battle Spanish fourth division team Internacionale de Madrid in a charity match dubbed “Dili kamo nag-iisa” that will benefit victims of Typhoon Sendong in Mindanao.

Meanwhile, Araneta said work on the FIFA project to transform the PhilSports pitch into an all-weather artificial turf will begin in March.

The PFF head, who met with FIFA consultant Marcus Keller recently regarding the project, said the pitch should be ready by June.

“The pitch in Ultra is very important as we won’t have to use the Rizal Memorial Stadium all the time for national team practices,” said Araneta.

The Philsports pitch will be used for training by national teams as well as for competitions like, the United Football League, the NCAA and the UAAP.

“With an all-weather turf, there won’t be any postponements just because of an unplayable field,” said Araneta.

22 December 2011

The Philippine Football Federation is looking to strike a television deal worth at least P80 million for the rights to air matches of the Philippine Azkals next year.
A reliable source yesterday said that television networks ABS-CBN and TV5 have submitted bids to the PFF for the exclusive rights to the Azkals games in 2012.
The source said the PFF’s target amount of P80 million already includes non-monetary benefits like airtime, promotions and mileage with the actual money going to the federation amounting to just about P15 to P20 million.

“The PFF is looking at P80 million, but 80 percent of the amount is non-monetary,” said the source.
ABS-CBN is actually hoping to extend its partnership with the Azkals that started with the AFC Challenge Cup game against Mongolia in February last year.
The same source revealed that the PFF earned at least P8 million from the ABS-CBN deal that was also spent for expenses incurred during the Azkals’ campaigns.
The PFF Board will decide on the television deal on Jan. 13.

The Azkals actually have a busy schedule for 2012 with two major tournaments lined up starting with the AFC Challenge Cup in Kathmandu, Nepal, in March.
Before the Challenge Cup, where the Azkals have been grouped with North Korea, Tajikistan and India, the national team will also face reigning Southeast Asian champion Malaysia in a Fifa-sanctioned friendly on Feb. 29 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The PFF will also use the international friendly dates in June to hold four matches for the team.
Friendly matches in the months of August, September and October are also slated for the Azkals as they toughen up for the Suzuki Cup in December.

ATTENTION: FORMATION OF THE NATIONAL BEACH FOOTBALL TEAM TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ASIAN BEACH GAMES 2012
Hi everyone,
BFAP is trying to put up a good and strong Beach Football National Team to participate in the Asian Beach Games in China on June 16, 2012. If interested to try-out, please email a scanned copy of your passport and 2 x 2 picture to Rea Celine Villa, Secretary General of BFAP at email address: reacelinevilla@yahoo.com on or before December 26, 2011 as we are required to submit a tentative list to the Philippine Olympic Committee. Details of the January try-outs would be announced soon.
Thanks and hope to see you during try-outs. =)
Beach Football Association Philippines

21 December 2011

Third Division club CF Madrid has agreed to play a "practice game" with the Philippine Azkals on Jan. 7 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, which will be a fund-raiser for the victims of Typhoon Sendong in Northern Mindanao, according to football chief Mariano Araneta Jr.
"CF Madrid has confirmed it will arrive in Manila to play a ‘practice game’ with the Azkals on Jan. 7," said Araneta, who assigned national team manager Dan Palami to take charge of the arrangements for the charity match.
Because it will only be a practice game, "we no longer need FIFA sanction since it is not an international friendly that has strict requirements like local coordinators and technical officials that meet their criteria," Araneta said.
Among those spearheading the project are national women’s coach Ernie Nierras, Ebong Joson and Craig Burroughs, the last two being the leaders of the Kaholeross, the official cheerleading group of the Azkals.
During initial talks during the Azkal Christmas party at the SMDC showroom in Pasay City last Tuesday night, the core group suggested fans would be charged a P100 entrance fee to watch the game, and they would be encouraged to bring goods for the typhoon victims.
They said collection boxes would be set up around the venue where the fans could drop their items.
They also agreed that LBC would act as the "ticketing agent" for the football benefit, while volunteers would be tapped during a "telethon" during the day to raise cash for those affected by the natural calamity.
"This is one way the local football community can pay back and help our countrymen who were adversely affected by Typhoon Sendong in Northern Mindanao," they said.
To start the ball rolling, the group encouraged fans and players alike during the Christmas party to purchase ballers of the Azkals and Malditas at P100 each that would go to the relief fund for typhoon victims.

20 December 2011

UNABLE to secure FIFA sanction, Spanish Third Division team CF Madrid has been forced to cancel it two-match goodwill series in Manila, including its scheduled friendly match against the Philippine Azkals, on Jan. 7 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

"We received an e-mail message from CF Madrid last Monday that it was unable to get certification (approval) from the FIFA and had to beg off for the friendly against the Azkals," Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta Jr. said yesterday.

United Football League president Randy Roxas, whose UFL All-Stars were also set to play the Spanish booters on Jan. 10 at the Rizal Memorial pitch, confirmed the scrapping of the CF Madrid stint.

"We also received an e-mail from CF Madrid informing us of the cancellation of their visit to Manila because they failed to get the approval of FIFA," Roxas said. "The club was supposed to play the UFL All-Stars on Jan. 10, but that is now off.

"They (CF Madrid) are planning to reschedule their trip sometime in June in time for the celebration of Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day," he added.

Araneta said CF Madrid had wanted the push through with the match without FIFA sanction and make it a "practice game."

"But this would make it difficult to sell to sponsors because we wanted the friendly match with the Azkals to be televised," he said.

The CF Madrid-Philippines match was intended to kick off the build-up of the Azkals for their participation in the AFC Challenge Cup in Katmandhu, Nepal in March.

Araneta said the International Football Federation, known by its French acronym FIFA, also notified the PFF any friendly match involving the national team must be approved by the world body at least two months in advance.

"FIFA informed us the two-month notice is a requirement that should be followed if we are to hold any future friendly matches in the country," Araneta said.

He added the FIFA had already approved the Azkals’ friendly against the Malaysian national team on Feb. 29 at the Rizal Memorial pitch because it had informed the federation of the date in November.

UFC Goshen eked out a hard earned win Sunday morning defeating visiting Dolphins United in a penalty shootout, 4-3, to win the championship in the men’s open at the close of the first Vergara-Domogan Street Kids Football Cup.

The Baguio United Football Club once again leaned on the heroics of most valuable player Mohanad Farah to cap another win in the Goshen Land backed tournament in cooperation with the City Government of Baguio.

After placing second at the close of the eliminations, BUFC downed La Trinidad in their semis match, 3-1 to earn the first finals seat while top seeded Dolphins nosed out fellow out of towner Laoag, 1-0, to clinch the last finals seat.

La Trinidad then edged Laoag, 5-4, in the battle for third in the tournament aiming to raise funds for the seed money to help build the street kids’ shelter and start their educational and livelihood programs.

Goshen Land has already committed to donate a piece of land to build the home for street kids who will be faithful with their training in football and submit to the rules and regulations of the program.

Farah, for his effort, also brought home the best striker plum while the best midfielder went to Romnick Echin with best defender Ali Ymana and best goal keeper Nelson Gasic as Baguio City National High School took home the fair play award.

Ana Cabradilla of the multi-titled Baguio Ladies took home the MVP honors in the ladies open as Judith Doctolero was named the best defender, Jaja Obidos is best midfielder, Jana Cabradilla as best striker and Aloha Bocalan taking home the best goal keeper award.

Pines City National High School–Quezon Hill, meanwhile, topped the 16 and under girls division with Pines Barkada settling for first runner–up as Shalom MNHS and Dontogan salvaged the second and third runners-up honors.

Eloysa Fagsao won the most valuable player award while Flordeliza Tiwaked bagged the best striker award as Kara Alinsug took the best midfielder award with Catherine Clang and Mayla Madigyong taking the best defender and best goalie award.

BCNHS meanwhile won the 16 under division for boys with Dagsian United bagging the first runner-up honors with Laoag FC and Lubas Ole’s Y was second and third runner up.

Reggey Ubfan was the MVP in the division with Jessner Bocalan as the best striker, Spencer Galasa is best midfielder, Jemsley Dalisay is best defender and best goalie is Kenneth Mansueto.

Mansueto is also the best goalie in the 14 under division, while Ubfan was the MVP in the division with Jessner Bocalan as the best striker, Spencer Galasa is best midfielder, Jemsley Dalisay is best defender.

Kenneth Sibaen won the MVP honors in the 12 under division and was also named the best striker while the best midfielder is Justin Alviar, best defender is Samson Cabforo, and best goal keeper is Brently Gudaren.

In the 10 under division, MVP is Neo Escomiendo, best striker is Ricky Kim, best midfielder is Daniel Felix, best defender is Carlo Elaydo and best goalkeeper is Jon Bangsoy.

In the 8 under division, MVP is Joshua Francis, best goalkeeper is Joshua Kim best defender is Wanson (one name), best midfielder is Yehan Choi and best striker is Silas Muller.

MOVED by the devastation in Mindanao, football officials are planning a friendly match for the benefit of the victims of tropical storm Sendong.

Officials are working on a friendly game between the Azkals and a selection from the United Football League on Jan. 4 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, which will charge P100 as entrance fee. Those who will watch the game are also requested to bring bed sheets, blankets, clothes and canned goods that will be donated to the victims of the flood.

While the game is ongoing, there will be UFL players stationed in the studio who will receive phone calls from any interested donors who will pledge any amount of goods or support.

To raise more funds, players’ jerseys will be auctioned at the game but organizers are also looking at using e-Bay so that fans from the provinces and overseas can join the auction.

Despite cutting their Christmas break short, the players are interested to play for the charity event as this will be the second time the two teams will meet.

Azkals team manager Dan Palami will also appeal to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to let them use the venue free of charge to support the fund-raising activity.

The PSC charged the Philippine Football Federation P1 million for use of Rizal Stadium during the Azkal vs. LA Galaxy friendly.

Azkals and UFL officials, staff and the players will have their final meeting today, a few hours before the Azkals Christmas party hosted by the Kaholeros, to lay down the plans for the charity game.

Meanwhile, Palami’s team, Global Smartmatic FC, has also cancelled their Christmas party and will instead donate the funds for the gathering to the ongoing relief operations in CDO and Iligan.

“Instead of a party, we will just work out a simple get-together where players will bring their own food and drinks,” said Global head coach Graeme Mackinnon.

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Azkals face another stern test early next year when they battle reigning Suzuki Cup champion Malaysia in a Fifa-sanctioned friendly at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.With the match falling on an international friendly date on Feb. 29, the Azkals hope to have a full complement of players for the showdown against the Malaysians, who have won every major title in Southeast Asian since 2009.Clubs are inclined to release players for national team duty during international friendly dates, which means the Azkals could have Europe-based standouts Stephan Schrock, Paul Mulders, Dennis Cagara, Jerry Lucena, Ray Jonsson and goalkeepers Neil Etheridge and Roland Muller for the match.“It will be another good test for our team,” said Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta Monday. “As we have said in the past, playing more international matches will only improve our team.”The match against Malaysia will form the final phase of the preparation of the Azkals for the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup in Kathmandu, Nepal, where they have been grouped with North Korea, Tajikistan and India.The Malaysians are ranked four places higher than the Azkals in the Fifa rankings at No. 155.The friendly will mark Malaysia’s first return to the Rizal Memorial since 1991 when it lost in an upset to the Philippines, 0-1, in the SEA Games.

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (19 Dec 2011) – A new competition format has been drawn up for the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) 2012 where organisers will now allow up to five over-aged players to take part.

The annual HBT meet previously had an age limit for players under the age of 21-years-old. But with Brunei wanting to rely on their SEA Games squad for the HBT 2012, allowing over-aged players in the tournament which they are hosting is a good idea.

18 December 2011

THERE'S no stopping the UFL-bound Cebu Queen City United-A after scroring an upset over three-time defending champion Crazy Horse, 1-0, in the men's open of the 14th Aboitiz Cup yesterday at the Aboitiz Sports Field.

"Our preparation paid off. It was shown in our efforts how we controlled the game," said head coach Mario Ceniza.

It was an intense game between the top two teams in the men's open with some players engaged in a highly physical duel.

"They are the defending champions and they have good players in the squad like Joshua Fegidero and Bem Rotich," Ceniza said.

It was an even performance in the first half as both teams took turns in the offensive attempts but failed to finish their plays.

Junard Aguilar of CQCU broke the silence and scored the lone goal of the game in the 54th minute after it went past the keeper, who was challenged by three attacking players.

Crazy Horse failed to convert its chances toward the end of the game, which resulted to their first defeat of the tournament. CQCU-A, on the other hand, stamped its fourth straight win.

Ceniza said there's more to improve with his boys especially in finishing plays and accuracy.

16 December 2011

Start: 12 December 2011 (Monday)Deadline - Dropping: 6 January 2012 (Friday) at 11:59 PMDeadline - Adding: 11 January 2012 (Wednesday) at 11:59 PMLimitations: No limit on number of players to be dropped / added

SHARING the spirit of Christmas as season of love and gift-giving, the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro made the students happy by donating football equipment here on Wednesday at Gaudioso Legaspi Reyes Anhawon Elementary School in Barangay Bulua.

This came after news anchor PJ Dela Peña of the ABS-CBN's local TV station saw students playing football with passion using just bamboo materials as their goal, probably inspired by the mercurial rise of the Philippine Azkals.

Dela Peña did feature what he saw in his TV program that caught the Rotary Club's attention.

The Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro is a civic-minded organization that supports sports development especially among the in-school sports children.

City Coucilor Ian Mark Nacaya, Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro President, said the football equipment may enhance the skills of Anhawon footballers who showed a promise in the City School Division Meet where they finished a decent third.

Football stuffs that were donated include balls, 15 pairs of shoes, jerseys and some other materials that could improve the school's bamboo-made goal into a steel-made one.

The group is planning to visit more schools in the city for the purpose after its kick-off program in Anhawon Elementary School proved a success.

Anhawon principal Alma Sheila A. Alorro said she is very happy that their school was given sports assistance through Dela Pe¤a's initiative.

The event was also attended by some iconic members of the Rotary Club sush as former City Mayor Constantino Jaraula, Police Station 1 commander Police Senior Inspector Ariel Pontillas and JJ Ramnani, Rotary sports committee chairperson.

A BETTER and more prepared Queen City United FC will debut in the United Football League second division tournament after making the necessary adjustments.

After playing against experienced teams in the UFL first division, they recruited new players to fill the vacant positions and also doubled their efforts in the training sessions.

“I believe this time we will be better. The preparation of the team is okay and the expectations I have with the team now are better than the first team,” said head coach Mario Ceniza.

Among the new players joining the team are Mark Hilay, Neil Ryan Lirio and Bryan Eborda from San Carlos City, Charles Villarta, Jaymille Comnigo and Adlai Rivera from Cagayan, and university players Dan Villarico and Prince Hanesin Anthony.

“The inclusion of new players made a big impact especially in the backline. It’s more stable now,” said Ceniza

Last week, the players went through a fitness test. And as what Ceniza observed, the team is looking well.

“The team has already gelled. We are focusing on the tactical training and I can say that we are 80 percent in good condition,” said Ceniza.

Part of the team’s preparation is joining the men’s open of the 14th Aboitiz Cup. Currently, they are remain undefeated, winning their last three matches.

The team will be tested this Sunday as they face the defending champions Crazy Horse led by Joshua Fegidero of team Pachanga of the UFL.

Players will take a break on Dec. 23 but will resume on Dec. 27 as the UFL Second Division tournament is set to open on Jan. 14.

The team holds training from Monday to Friday, 6 to 8 a.m. on the Aboitiz Sports Field, but two weeks before the competition, they will conduct it twice a day.

ALDIN Tiboron's goal in the 88th minute lifted Columbia FC past Medvil FC, 2-1, to annex the third leg crown of the Davao Premier League held at the Tionko football grounds recently.

Columbia's Francisco Iligan Jr. started the ball rolling by hitting a goal in the 31st but Jomar Acedo countered in the 60th to force a one-all deadlock. Tiboron's heroics sealed Columbia's victory in the bootfest organized by the Davao Football Association (Davao FA).

Albert Ryan "Abing" Lim coached and managed the champion team while runner-up Medvil was mentored by multi-titled Ramonito "Lalas" Carreon and managed by Rafael "Pops" Vilela.

14 December 2011

During the match against Swansea on Saturday 10 December, Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer injured his neck.

Following an assessment by a specialist consultant on Tuesday evening, the Club can confirm that he has sustained a compression injury to his thoracic spine and that he will be unavailable for 4 to 6 weeks, and is expected to return to play towards the end of January.

The Club has exercised a clause in the loan contract of David Stockdale, and he has been recalled from Ipswich Town to join the squad.

13 December 2011

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Air Force Phoenix FC, the reigning United Football League (UFL) Cup champions led by Azkals Chieffy Caligdong and Ian Araneta, may get to compete in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President’s Cup, an annual international competition among clubs from “emerging nations” in Asia.

UFL president Randy Roxas said the UFL, which has recently concluded a successful Cup competition, is working things out with the Philippine Football Federation and the AFC for the possible participation of UFL’s League titlist to next year’s President’s Cup.

“The President’s Cup is where our ASEAN neighbors are also participating and it’s less stringent in terms of requirements, like stadium capacity so it’s the right tournament for us to compete in internationally,” Roxas said during yesterday’s PSA Forum.

The qualification stage for the President’s Cup, the third-tier club tourney under the AFC, is set by March 2012.

“Since our (UFL’s upcoming) League competitions will only end in June 2012, the likelihood is that we’ll ask the League champions last time, Air Force, to represent the UFL in the AFC President’s Cup. We’re waiting for clearance from the PFF and likewise the AFC,” Roxas said.

Caligdong’s PAF has ruled the two League competitions staged by the UFL and added the Cup jewel following a 2-0 disposal of Phil Younghusband and the Loyola Meralco Sparks before a good crowd of 6,000 over the weekend at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

“That was the first time for a domestic game to be watched by some 6,000 fans in the stadium. Goes to show that football is growing,” said Roxas, also noting the leap in terms of competitiveness.

“Clearly the level of play has improved, even on the part of the domestic players. As shown by Ian and Chieffy and the Air Force, local-bred players can pull their own against foreign-bred players,” Roxas added.

The UFL’s League hostilities will begin in January, featuring 10 teams in the first division, led by two-time defending champ PAF, former Cup holders Global, Kaya and Loyola, and another 10 sides in the second division.

The United Football League is looking to build on the interest generated by the staging of its UFL Cup when its league competition unfolds in January.

Though it will no longer have knockout stages, UFL president Randy Roxas of the Football Alliance yesterday said the league competition will only be as exciting with 10 teams involved in the first division and 10 more squads seeing action in the second division.

"Football is growing and clearly the level of play (in the UFL) has improved," said Roxas at the PSA Forum at the Shakey's U.N. Avenue in Manila.

Led by national players Chieffy Caligdong and Ian Araneta, Air Force Phoenix, a team built around the finest homegrown talents, bagged the UFL Cup last Saturday at the expense of Loyola Meralco powered by Phil and James Younghusband in a final watched by a record 6,000 fans at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

It also marked the first UFL Cup final that was aired live on national television after the league signed a five-year, P150 million broadcast deal with AKTV - TV5's sports channel.

"The locally-bred players have shown that they can hold their own against other teams with foreigners," said Roxas. "It just shows the quality of the league."

Roxas said they have discussed with the Philippine Football Federation on the possibility of having the UFL - being the country's premiere league - send a team to the Asian Football Confederation President's Cup, the third-tier club competition of the AFC.

Air Force will likely represent the country having won the league competition last June. "I think its the right tournament for us because some ASEAN teams are also there and the rules (on eligibility) is not as stringent," said Roxas.

Roxas said the league opening on Jan. 14 could see a changing of the guard with teams from the Armed Forces - Air Force, Army and Navy - expected to encounter tougher opposition from new UFL powerhouses Kaya-Cignal, Global and Loyola Meralco.

Also seeing action in the first division are Green Archers United and newly-promoted sides Nomads, Stallion FC and Pasargad.

"We could see a changing of the guard in the league," said Roxas who is also one of the owners of the Loyola Sparks.

In league play, the team with the most points after playing against each squad twice in the division wins the title. A win is worth three points with a draw awarded a point.

Roxas said the roster of teams in the second division has yet to be finalized with more squads expressing interest to join. The second division champion automatically gets a slot in the first division next season.

Roxas said part of the plan to improve play of the homegrown players is to reduce foreigners in UFL teams to just five - in compliance with the AFC Presidents Cup rule.

Prior to winning the 9-a-side YGBC championship crown, the Ceres Liner football team strengthened its bid for the title in the inaugural offering of the Negros Football Open Championship with a 7-2 victory over Real Negrense at the Panaad pitch, Saturday.

Abelardo Solinas openend the scoring in the match with an 8th minute marker for Real Negrense but Ali Go tied the score at 1-all in the 10th minute as Ceres tightened their defense on Real and created more options for their strikers to score.

Jason Cordova connected in the 32nd minute while J. Baguioro scored in the 34th as Ceres took a 3-1 lead.

It was an all-Ceres show in the second half as Ruben Doctora had two goals in 57th and 68th, while Joshua Beloya scored in the 73rd and Aldrin Dolino in 79th minute.

Arlu Marcelino salvaged another goal for Real in the 89th minute for the 7-2 fulltime score.

Earlier, San Carlos City absorbed its first defeat in the hands of Bacolod United, 5-3, to protect its own unbeaten record in Group A.

Bago and Himamaylan also posted separated victories with the Bagoeños prevailing over Pontevedra, 6-1, in Group A and Himamaylan beating Cadiz, 4-1, in Group B.

All the teams will have their Christmas break starting December 17 with the matches to resume on January 7.*NAB

It was a fitting ending to a year-long quest for leadership as the Ceres Liner squad prevailed over defending champion Dynamic Builder, 2-1, in the final match yesterday of the 2011 Yanson Group of Bus Companies 9-A-Side 3rd Conference-North Football League at the YGBC pitch in Ayala North Point, Talisay City.

A 5th minute goal from Dynamic’s Eliseo Palomo put the defending champs within reach of a back-to-back title but the Ceres team coach Norman Fegidero kept their composure and stuck their gameplan.

Putting up a defensive stance and bidding their time to score the equalizer, Ceres got the break in 40th minute as Jason Panhay got away to tie the score, 1-all, at halftime.

With momentum on their side as play resumed in the second half, Ceres got another lucky break with Panhay booting in the team’s second goal in the 58th minute.

The Ceres’ victory broke the winning streak of Dynamic and foiled the latter’s grand slam bid in the tournament, and earned a Most Valuable Player award for Panhay.

Other individual awardees were Nyan Brean Jardio of Minulu-an-Talisay Football Club as most improved player, Michael Casas (Ceres Liner) best goalkeeper, Jason Cordova (Dynamic Builder) best defender, Rolando Ian Treyes (Dynamic Builder) best midfielder, Ali Go (Dynamic builder) as best striker. Las Buenas Football Club received the Fair Play Award.

Meanwhile, Minulu-an-Talisay defeated Trimaxi-Agro, 3-0, in the battle for third place. Tournament manager Ramon Janeo said the tournament will resume next month for the 2012 season of the YGBC 9-A-Side Football Tournament.*NAB

Dear Sir / Madam:Greetings!We kindly inform you that the ABC-STARS Cup this year will be held on December 29 – 30, 2011, from 7:00am – 5:30pm at the Metro Naga Sports Complex, Brgy. Pacol, Naga City.

The ABC-STARS Cup is one of the Annual Football Festivals of Small-Sided Games organized and managed by the Naga City – Camarines Sur Football Association. It is a 2-Day Tournament for Boys and Girls from ages 5 – 18 with an Open and Veterans' Categories (Age 40 and above) added for football players beyond the age-groups. The U7, U9, U11 & U13 Categories shall be played on the 1st Day, December 29 while the U15, U17, U19, Open and Veterans' Categories, on the 2nd Day, December 30.

A minimal fee is collected upon registration to defray the expenses incurred for running the tournament.

NCCSFA General Secretary c/o Sheila Buenaobra20 Jacob Ext., Liboton, Naga CityFax No. 811-80-24; Email: nagacity_camarinessur_fa@yahoo.com2. Deadline of Submission is on December 26, 2011, Monday, on or before 12:00noon.3. Coaches' / Managers' Meeting: December 26, 3:00pm at NCCSFA Headquarters.4. No Walk-In Teams shall be entertained since fixtures shall be set during the coaches'/managers' meeting.

MANILA, Philippines — Behind a gritty effort, Air Force Phoenix regained the United Football League Cup crown Sunday with a 2-0 victory over fancied Loyola Meralco last night in front of 6,000 fans at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Azkals striker Ian Araneta set the tone for the Airmen with a 39th minute goal then former National team member Edmundo Mercado Jr. displayed superb goalkeeping skills to secure their second title since the league was launched in 2009.

The victory was also aided by a 20-yard strike by ageless wonder Yanti Barsales in the 90th minute as Air Force rebounded from last year's title loss to Global FC.

This win, seen live on AKTV on IBC 13, by a group of Air Force reservists and former and current National team mainstays will perhaps go down in history as one of the most memorable title matches in the history of club football.

Araneta, who finished the tournament with 19 goals, scored after teammate Chieffy Caligdong set it up with a cross. Randy Bela-ong attempted a short pass that was partly deflected before the Ilonggo booted it to the right part of the net.

Air Force led 1-0 at the half but appeared to have lost the lead in the 52nd minute when James Younghusband scored a header off a corner kick by Mark Hartmann.

However, game officials nullified the equalizer, ruling that Hartmann improperly placed the ball before the corner kick.

The Sparks, who suffered their first-and-only loss of the Cup tourney on this night, had numerous chances to score in the latter part of the match but Mercado, nearing his mid-30s, made timely saves while receiving some support from the Airmen backline.

Air Force, which will seek to retain its league title starting January, also got some help from Lady Luck in the 82nd and 83rd minutes when Meralco's Alexandro Elnar attempted to score twice. But both shots hit under the crossbar to the delight of a festive Airmen supporters.

Update 2 7:39 p.m.) Goalkeeper Edmundo Mercado turned back the hands of time while Ian Araneta and Yanti Barsales knocked in the goals as Philippine Air Force beat highly-favored Loyola Meralco Sparks FC, 2-0, Saturday in the UFL Cup Finals at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Araneta struck a left-booted shot from inside the box in the 38th minute before Barsales notched the insurance goal in the 90th.

But it was Mercado's game-long efforts that secured the Airmen the 2011 UFL Cup. The 37-year-old stopped the Sparks' high-powered offense led by brothers Phil and James Younghusband.

"We want to prove to everyone that Air Force is the number one team in the Philippines," said Mercado, a 13-year national team member who retired in 2008.

"We played basic football. They are big and in terms of skill, they have the edge but we played as a team,” said Air Force head coach Edzel Bracamonte.

After left winger Chieffy Caligdong penetrated inside the box, Araneta was left open and booted the ball home using his left foot to break the scoreless deadlock.

The Sparks could have tied the goal in the 53rd minute after James Younghusband scored a header off a Matt Hartmann corner kick but the head referee disallowed it after the referee wrongly placed the ball in the corner.

Loyola Meralco had another golden chance in the 86th minute but substitute Alex Elnar's header hit the crossbar. Another mad scramble ensued and Elnar again missed the goal by inches after his header once again hit the crossbar.

Phil Younghusband got free in the 87th minute and nearly scored a game-tying goal but Mercado used his feet to save the ball and prevent another point blank attempt from the Sparks.

Barsales scored after stealing the ball at the back from John Paul Merida and flicked his shot from 20 yards out to seal the title win.

The 38-year-old Barsales eventually won the Golden Boot award (Most Valuable Player) while Mercado took home the Golden Glove or the best goalkeeper trophy.